The use of an elastomeric pump with a local anaesthetic is an effective, safe, patient and staff-friendly method for postoperative pain relief in breast cancer patients after axillary dissection and after primary breast reconstruction with a tissue expander. It is an effective method of postoperative pain treatment without adverse effects. Patients treated with a local anaesthetic have a lower frequency of chronic pain three months after the surgical procedure compared to patients treated with opioid intravenous analgesia.